Brian W. Riley

Attorney Brian Riley, a Member in the firm, has over 25 years of experience in municipal law. He is an experienced litigator representing municipalities in all levels of the state and federal courts and administrative agencies. His practice involves a broad range of municipal law subjects, including all areas of licensing, charters and by-laws, elections, municipal finance, bankruptcy, regional school districts, the regulation of marijuana and the conflict of interest, public records and open meeting laws.

Provides town counsel services for numerous communities in Massachusetts.

Assists with town meeting matters, including drafting warrant articles and motions, reviewing annual and special town meeting warrants, meeting with moderators and other key town officials and representing towns at town meeting.

Tedeschi Food Shops, Inc. v. Abington Board of Selectmen, PLCV2011-01383 (2013). Successfully defended a Board of Selectmen’s denial of an underground storage tank license for a proposed service station, based on public health and safety concerns.

Town of Holden v. Wachusett Regional School District Committee, et al., 445 Mass. 656 (2005). Defended a small town from an amendment to a regional school agreement that would have overcharged the town for its share of the budget, in violation of the Education Reform Act.

Sullivan v. State Police and Chief of Police of Pembroke, et al., 57 Mass. App. Ct. 10 (2003). Defended Chief’s interpretation of state law prohibiting the sale of firearms from a residential structure, notwithstanding the structure’s separate entrance for business area.

Has represented numerous municipal clients before District and Superior Courts as well as state agencies on a variety of licensing issues, including alcoholic beverages, firearms, taxi and limousine regulations, motor vehicle sales and entertainment licensing. Extensive practice before the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.

Memberships & Affiliations

Massachusetts Bar Association

Bar & Court Admissions

Massachusetts Bar

U.S. District Court (Mass.)

U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit

Education

Suffolk University Law School
Juris Doctor, 1989
Technical Editor (1988-1989), Staff Member (1987-1988), Suffolk University Law Review

University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Arts, 1981

Speaking Engagements

Brian frequently presents seminars throughout the state for municipalities and other local government groups.

He has lectured on municipal law to a variety of organizations, including the Massachusetts Municipal Councilors Association, Small Town Administrators of Massachusetts, and the Massachusetts Town Clerk’s Association. Representative topics include the conflict of interest, open meeting and public records laws, and parliamentary procedure.